Dulang: an easy repair solution for used electronics (as easy as ordering food online)
- Indonesia
- For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models
Indonesia faces a growing e-waste problem, with 95% of electronic waste remaining un-recycled. Jakarta, the nation's bustling metropolitan hub, generates a staggering 75 tons of e-waste daily, contributing to carbon emissions, unsustainable resource extraction, and environmental degradation. Existing solutions for repair and disposal are inconvenient and lack digital integration, resulting in a lack of awareness and incentives for consumers to manage their used electronics responsibly.
From a macro perspective, there is significant demand to tackle e-waste, redistribute access to electronics, and improve the employment rate, especially for people in their productive years. This is particularly crucial for underprivileged communities, particularly the youth, who often struggle to find meaningful employment opportunities. By enabling an easier ecosystem for repairs and resales of electronics, Dulang not only addresses the e-waste problem but also helps bridge the digital divide and create job opportunities.
Dulang is a web-based platform that simplifies the electronic repair process for consumers while providing income opportunities for underprivileged repairers. Through our user-friendly interface, customers can easily input device information, describe issues, and select a convenient time for pick-up and delivery of their devices. Our network of skilled repairers, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, are already capable of providing repair services. On the back end, our system efficiently matches repair requests with available technicians, optimizing logistics and ensuring timely service delivery.
On top of enabling a more streamlined process, Dulang could empower existing grassroot organizations. For instance, we are planning to collaborate with an Indonesia-based waste bank management startup in Indonesia to transform local waste banks into 'circularity hubs' that would expand the offerings to also cover repair as well as trade of used electronics.
Dulang's innovative approach focuses on enabling reuse and life extension of electronics, rather than just recycling. By prioritizing repairs and resales, we contribute to a more sustainable way of consuming electronics through the circular economy framework. Our platform caters to the lack of awareness, convenience, and incentives faced by electronics users, providing a one-stop solution for their repair and resale needs. We are well-positioned for execution by being part of global communities such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, support from government agencies like Bappenas, and potential collaborations with other startups in and outside of Indonesia like with an Australian social enterprise that focuses on repurposing e-waste into the home solar system of micro solar panels for villages.
Our demo video can be accessed here.
Dulang serves two primary target populations:
1) Consumers who own electronic devices in need of repair. By providing a convenient and trustworthy repair solution, Dulang encourages consumers to extend the life of their devices, reducing e-waste and promoting more sustainable consumption habits. Our platform saves customers time and effort, while also offering cost-effective alternatives to purchasing new devices.
2) Underprivileged youth and individuals with a passion for electronics and repair. For example, one of our repairers who was a former street kid who was then taken under the wing of a foundation and trained in electronic repair now could earn an additional income. Our platform could enable people like him to build sustainable livelihoods while contributing to environmental conservation efforts. By empowering repairers and providing them with access to a broader market, Dulang helps alleviate poverty and create meaningful employment opportunities.
As a Jakarta-based company, we intimately understand the local e-waste challenges through daily exposure. Our Team Lead's more than a decade-long sustainability experience provides invaluable perspective in addressing sustainability issues including e-waste, as featured in Green.org. Furthermore, we were showcased by Bappenas (Ministry of National Development Planning of the Republic of Indonesia) as an example of the implementation of a circular economy in electronics and were invited to various events including a focus group discussion to discuss the road map and action plan to enable the circular economy in electronics in Indonesia. We are also part of the Greentech Entrepreneurs Network, a flagship program by Germany’s Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Bappenas, fostering pioneering green tech entrepreneurs in Indonesia.
Crucially, our solution stems from primary research with informal e-waste sectors, enabling us to create an approach based on community needs and practices. Our subject matter expertise, and inclusive problem-solving position us well to deliver a comprehensive solution that drives sustainable e-waste management while empowering local communities economically.
- Adapt cities to more extreme weather, including through climate-smart buildings, incorporating climate risk in infrastructure planning, and restoring regional ecosystems.
- 1. No Poverty
- 10. Reduced Inequalities
- 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- 12. Responsible Consumption and Production
- Pilot
Dulang has developed a functional web-based repair platform (dulang.id) and has successfully onboarded a network of skilled repairers, many from underprivileged backgrounds. We have piloted and tested our solution in Jakarta, serving an initial customer base of around 25 users and refining our processes based on their feedback.
Further, since our establishment, we have made significant strides. Our small-scale pilot launched in March 2023 has garnered attention and support from prominent entities. We've secured positions in respected accelerators like URBAN-X Accelerator (by MINI BMW Group) in NYC (we were even flown from Jakarta), Life Changing Labs, NexDev, DSLaunchEco, and Greentech Entrepreneurs Network (GEN). Our founder, Kreshna, was also featured in a live TV interview on IDX Channel, and we have participated in key sustainability events such as Maybank Sustainability Week and SYNC Climate Tech Singapore.
Dulang is applying to Solve to access the expertise, networks, and resources needed to overcome key barriers and scale our impact. As a young organization tackling complex environmental and social challenges, we recognize the need for strategic partnerships and support to achieve our vision of a more sustainable and equitable electronic consumption model in Indonesia.
Specifically, we hope that Solve can help us:
- Refine our business model and pricing strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability while remaining accessible to our target communities. We seek guidance on striking the right balance between profitability and social impact and on exploring additional revenue streams such as e-waste credits and data monetization.
- Connect with mentors and experts in the fields of circular economy, e-waste management, and social entrepreneurship to guide our growth and impact measurement. We would benefit from insights on best practices in these domains and on navigating the regulatory landscape in Indonesia.
- Access funding opportunities to invest in our technology infrastructure, expand our repair network, and develop targeted marketing campaigns to raise awareness about responsible electronic consumption. We recognize the importance of additional capital to scale our solution and achieve our ambitious goals.
- Build partnerships with global organizations working on similar challenges to exchange knowledge, collaborate on research and development, and amplify our collective impact. We believe that collaboration is key to driving systemic change and would welcome the opportunity to learn from and contribute to a global community of innovators.
Beyond financial support, we value the validation, credibility, and exposure that being a Solver would bring to Dulang. The recognition would help us fundraise, attract top talent, secure key partnerships, and influence policy discussions around e-waste management and the circular economy in Indonesia.
We believe that the support and resources provided by Solve will be instrumental in helping Dulang achieve its mission of reducing e-waste, promoting sustainable consumption, and creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for underprivileged communities in Indonesia.
- Business Model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
- Human Capital (e.g. sourcing talent, board development)
- Monitoring & Evaluation (e.g. collecting/using data, measuring impact)
- Technology (e.g. software or hardware, web development/design)
